How Dad's doing through 1/3/10

This last week, in addition to the usual family members, Dad's had visits from my brother Alan (who lives in the DC area) and from the bishop of our ward. He's had a card from my sister Christie in Pittsburgh with pictures of his newest great-grandchild, Eliana Sophie Hamilton, Christie and Duane's first grandchild, daughter of their oldest daughter Ruth Seppi Hamilton. (Dad's 21st great-grandchild, if I'm counting correctly.)

Dad spoke by phone to Christie and her son Jonathan today while I was visiting Dad, and he received a card from his beloved student and then colleague, Elouise Bell. Elouise wisely sent a picture of herself, and Dad was able to read some of the card--trifocals and reading while in bed make focusing tricky! I mentioned that Elouise looked much the same to me, and Dad agreed.

Dad seemed a bit more alert today than he was yesterday or last week, responding with full sentences at times when he spoke. I talked to him about something I've mentioned to him before but that I don't think he remembers--I'm moving to Pennsylvania on Friday to live with my daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. I don't know that he'll remember this time either, and I don't know if it's better for him to remember or not.

I'd heard that at supper time, Dad asks the aides where his daughter is--that made me feel sad! So yesterday and today (my days to visit Dad this week), I arrived at supper time and helped Dad eat.

After supper today, I suggested we have family prayer, and I knelt by his bedside, just as I used to do at home. I reached under the covers to hold Dad's hand, apologizing because my hand was so cold. As I said the prayer, Dad gently rubbed my hand to warm it up. I was so moved by his loving gesture that I could hardly say the prayer. It was a precious moment that I hope I will always remember!

You may be wondering what will happen to this blog now that I'm moving away. Having received a thundering silence from my family on the subject of who is going to take over from me, I've decided I'll keep it going long distance. That will give me a chance to keep current on Dad's situation and keep in contact with my siblings and other family here. I'll try to update the blog at least every other week.

My brother John has agreed to bring his laptop with a webcam when he visits Dad and do a video conference with me, so I can see Dad, and Dad can see me. It won't be the same as being able to kiss him, adjust his bed and pillows, help him eat and drink, and hold his hand, but it will be better than not being able to see him at all!

Thanks to all who've let me know you're reading my blog--it's the only way I know I'm not just shouting into the void. And as always, thank you for your love and interest in Dad.